“777 Partners” acquires Moshiri’s shares in Everton FC

“Well-connected investor”

Hertha investor “777 Partners” is entering the next big football market: As Everton FC announced on Friday, the American investment company has signed an agreement with club owner Farhad Moshiri to acquire his entire share in the Premier League club. The latter therefore amounts to 94.1 percent of all shares.

“The nature of ownership and financing of top football clubs has changed immeasurably since I first invested in Everton over seven years ago. The days of being an owner/patron seem to be numbered for most and the biggest clubs are now generally owned by well-equipped PE firms, specialist sports investors or government-backed companies and funds,” Moshiri is quoted as saying in a club statement.

The 68-year-old had declared in February that the club was not for sale, but the financial difficulties have now apparently changed the British-Iranian businessman’s opinion. Although he has invested more than 740 million euros in new signings since 2016, some Everton fans have long been dissatisfied with the owner. Last season they protested before a few games at Goodison Park and repeatedly called on Moshiri and the board to leave the club.

Everton and “777 Partners”: “Best partners to move our club forward”

“I have been open about the need to bring in new investment and complete the financing of our iconic new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the Mersey, which I have predominantly funded to date. I have spoken to a number of parties and considered some strong potential opportunities. However, based on my long discussions with 777, I believe they are the best partners to take our great club forward, with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model,” Moshiri continued.

As a result of the agreement, Everton now has “an experienced and well-connected investor” who will help “maximize commercial opportunities”. The Iranian described the cooperation as an important development step for the club. The “777” group currently includes Genoa CFC, Vasco da Gama, Hertha BSC, Standard Liège, Red Star FC, Sevilla FC and Melbourne Victory in Australia. Founder Josh Wander said: “We are truly honored by the opportunity to join the Everton family as stewards of the club and consider it a privilege to be able to build on its proud heritage and values.”

Investor Moshiri’s ambitions at Everton FC failed

Moshiri wanted to lead Everton to the top of the Premier League, but instead the “Toffees” slipped further year after year and only narrowly managed to stay in the league in the last two seasons. After Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine in February 2022, Everton’s financial situation worsened. Much of Moshiri’s wealth is tied up in Russia and is now out of reach. In addition, his business partner Alisher Usmanov was placed on the list of sanctioned persons, meaning that numerous sponsorship contracts had to be canceled.

Since then, Everton has struggled with financial difficulties, both in terms of completing the new stadium under construction and in terms of league operations. This summer the “Toffees” spent almost 40 million euros on new signings, only two Premier League clubs invested less in the transfer market. Everton is also only one of four clubs that has a positive transfer record (+42 million euros). Sean Dyche’s team is still winless in the current Premier League season and has picked up one point from four games, which is enough for 18th place.

To home page